The Narrow Implants for the Restoration of the Posterior Edentulous Region

Purpose:Ridge splitting or bone graft is necessary for regular diameter implant installation in the narrow alveolar ridge. However, these procedures can be problematic in terms of cost-effectiveness, surgery time. The present study is to demonstrate the results of a narrow implant in the posterior edentulous region, which were followed up for more than one year after functional loading.

Materials and Methods:Sixty-seven patients were included in the study. One hundred narrow implants were inserted. After healing, fixed implant-supported prostheses were delivered to the patients and periotest and radiographic examinations were performed. After the first year of the loading, the implant outcome was again evaluated clinically, radiographically and with periotest analysis. Crestal bone loss and PTVs were considered to evaluate the effect of several surgery, implant and host-related factors. A general linear model was then performed to detect variables statistically associated with crestal bone loss and periotest value.

Results:All the implants were followed up over 1 to 4 years of loading and their survival rate was found to be 100% and pronounced differences of PTVs were noted among jaw location, bone quality and loading period. No difference was detected on bone loss among the studied variables. Bone loss after functional loading was 0.14±0.39 mm. The stability value with periotest was -3.29±0.50.

Conclusions:Within the limitations of the present study, the judicious use of narrow implants have to be considered as an alternative for wider diameter implants to restore a posterior edentulous region.

References

Comfort MB, Chu FC, Chai J, Wat PY, Chow TW. A 5-year prospective study on small diameter screw-shaped oral implants. J Oral Rehabil. 2005;32:341-5.

Streckbein P, Streckbein RG, Wilbrand JF, Malik CY, Schaaf H, Howaldt HP, et al. Non-linear 3D evaluation of different oral implant-abutment connections. J Dent Res. 2012;91:1184-9.